Archive · 24 Jul 2025
NZ Scraps Transgender Sports Guidelines, Citing Safety Concerns
New Zealand has removed its guidelines on transgender athletes in sports.
This means that the rules on whether transgender women can play in women's sports are now up to each sport to decide.
The government said it's to make sure women and girls are safe.
Some people are upset because they think this makes sports less welcoming for transgender people.
These guidelines provided advice on creating safe spaces and using inclusive language.
Other countries and sports groups are also changing their rules about transgender athletes.
New Zealand scrapped guidelines for transgender athletes in local sports.
Minister Winston Peters stated that "biological males have no place in women’s sports."
The government's decision eliminates "guiding principles" developed by Sport NZ in 2022.
These guidelines focused on inclusion, safety, and anti-discrimination.
The Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa expressed disappointment with the change.
- Who
- New Zealand government, led by Minister Winston Peters, and Sport NZ
- What
- New Zealand abolished guidelines for transgender athletes in local sports.
- When
- Announced on Thursday, July 24, 2025
- Where
- New Zealand
- Why
- The government stated the decision aims to ensure safety and security for female athletes.
Advocates for Inclusion
Government and Supporters
Safety and Inclusion
Advocates for Inclusion
These guidelines were meant to ensure everyone feels safe in sports
Government and Supporters
These guidelines put the safety of female athletes at risk.
- Minister
- Winston Peters
- Date of Announcement
- July 24, 2025
- Government Agency Involved
- Sport NZ
- Previous Guidelines Focus
- Inclusion, Safety, Anti-discrimination
- Location
- Wellington, New Zealand